At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic communications to enhance PRI's reputation and influence in responsible investment.
- Company: Join the world's leading advocate for responsible investment with a global impact.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to flexibility and employee well-being.
- Why this job: Shape the narrative around responsible investment and drive meaningful change in the financial sector.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in communications, crisis management, and team leadership in complex environments.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
Employment Type - Full time (Please note, where PRI has an office there is an expectation to work a minimum of 2 days per week)
Location - Hybrid · London, City of, UK OR U.S. (NYC, Boston, DC, Chicago) strongly preferred
Closing: 11:59pm, 26th Apr 2026 BST
About the PRI
The PRI is the world’s leading proponent of responsible investment. It works to understand the investment implications of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors and to support its international network of investor signatories in incorporating these factors into their investment and ownership decisions.
The PRI’s three distinct capabilities relate to the core elements of the PRI’s approach to achieving a sustainable financial system:
- Translate RI (Responsible Investment) thought leadership into insights and practical support that is tailored to what signatories need to progress their RI practice
- Convene our vast network to create opportunities for collaborative action
- Harness our global scale to influence policymakers and regulators to effect system change
About the Role
The Director of Communications provides senior strategic communications leadership for PRI, using communications as a deliberate lever to reinforce PRI’s value, credibility and coherence with signatories and external stakeholders. The role shapes the external narrative, protects and enhances reputation, and translates complex technical and policy work into clear, decision‑useful messages that strengthen the enabling environment for responsible investment.
Key Focus Areas
- Narrative, positioning & brand voice: Build and maintain PRI’s global narrative architecture (core messages, lexicon, proof points) adaptable across regions and audiences (signatories, policymakers, standard setters, multilaterals, media, and partners). Ensure every major outward‑facing moment reflects PRI’s mission, neutrality and value.
- Policy, standards & market change translation: Convert complex developments into concise explainers, media lines, and executive messages. Sequence communications around key external milestones to support signatory understanding and media clarity.
- Media strategy & issues leadership: Own global media relations: proactive agenda‑setting with tier‑one financial, policy and sustainability outlets; disciplined reactive protocols. Lead issues/crisis communications: horizon scanning, scenarios, holding statements, rebuttals, and spokesperson preparation.
- Executive visibility (external): Provide counsel and content for the Interim CEO and senior leaders for external speeches, op‑eds, interviews and priority convenings.
- Measurement & continual learning: Set communications outcomes and KPIs (e.g., message recall, earned trust/accuracy indicators, quality of coverage, stakeholder comprehension). Run a quarterly learning cycle to refine messages, formats and targeting.
Core Responsibilities
- Own and deliver a multi‑year communications strategy aligned with the CEO Office’s priorities and PRI’s mission.
- Maintain a message & evidence bank (data points, case studies, FAQs) that underpins consistent, defensible communications.
- Lead global media relations: build trusted relationships; brief regularly; manage embargoes; coordinate regional pitching; oversee media training.
- Establish and run issues management: risk register, escalation matrix and rapid‑response workflows.
- Oversee the editorial calendar and content commissioning across channels (web, social, newsletters, multimedia).
- Partner with programme, policy and regional leaders to ensure external communication is timely, accurate and audience‑appropriate.
- Set KPIs and dashboards; generate quarterly insights for the CEO Office; adjust tactics based on evidence.
- Lead and develop a diverse, high‑performing global communications team; manage partners/agency relationships and budget.
Person Specification and Selection Criteria
- Senior communications leader in a complex, multi‑stakeholder environment (investment/financial services, policy, multilateral or mission‑driven).
- Proven track record in issues/crisis management and executive counsel, including media performance in high‑scrutiny contexts.
- Demonstrated ability to translate technical policy/market content into concise narratives for external audiences.
- Global media relationships and experience operating across multiple regions and time zones.
- Team leadership experience, including building systems, coaching senior spokespeople, and managing agencies and budgets.
- Well developed people management skills and experience of leading a team.
- Exceptional editorial judgement and writing for executive voice.
- Diplomatic, non‑partisan communicator; comfortable in contested information environments.
- Data‑driven; uses analytics to inform decisions and improve outcomes.
- Collaborative, high‑accountability operator who elevates others’ work.
We particularly welcome candidates from under-represented groups, including Black, Asian, and other People of Colour, those with visible or non‑visible disabilities, LGBTQ+ candidates and those who are neurodivergent.
The PRI is committed to offering flexibility to our employees, both formal (e.g. part-time work) and informal (e.g. a shift in hours to accommodate caring responsibilities). Please talk to us about how we could make this role flexible for you.
N.B. We reserve the right to close a vacancy before the closing date in the event of an overwhelming response or a change in business priorities.
Director, Communications in London employer: Principles for Responsible Investment
The PRI is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises responsible investment and sustainability. With a commitment to employee growth, the organisation provides opportunities for professional development and collaboration within a diverse, high-performing team. Located in vibrant cities like London and major U.S. hubs, employees benefit from a hybrid work model that promotes flexibility and work-life balance, making it an ideal environment for those seeking meaningful and impactful careers.
Contact Detail:
Principles for Responsible Investment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Communications in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the communications field, especially those who have experience with responsible investment. A friendly chat can lead to insider info or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare a portfolio of your best work that highlights your ability to translate complex ideas into clear messages. This will demonstrate your fit for the Director of Communications role.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on industry trends! Follow relevant news and reports about ESG factors and responsible investment. Being knowledgeable will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our mission at PRI.
We think you need these skills to ace Director, Communications in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft Your Narrative:Just like we focus on shaping PRI's narrative, make sure your application tells a compelling story about your experience and skills. Highlight how your background aligns with our mission and the role of Director, Communications.
Be Clear and Concise:We love clarity! When translating your experiences into your application, keep it straightforward. Use simple language to explain complex ideas, just as you would in communications for our signatories.
Showcase Your Media Savvy:Since media relations are key for this role, don’t forget to mention any relevant experience you have. Whether it's managing crises or building relationships with journalists, let us know how you've navigated the media landscape.
Tailor Your Application:Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for us at PRI. Research our values and recent initiatives, and reflect that understanding in your application. We want to see your enthusiasm for responsible investment!
How to prepare for a job interview at Principles for Responsible Investment
✨Know Your Narrative
Before the interview, make sure you understand the core messages and values of the PRI. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission of responsible investment and how you can contribute to shaping their narrative.
✨Showcase Your Media Savvy
Prepare examples of your past media relations successes, especially in high-scrutiny contexts. Be ready to discuss how you've managed issues or crises in the past and how you would approach similar situations for the PRI.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Style
Think about your leadership experiences and be prepared to share how you've built and led diverse teams. Highlight your coaching methods and how you’ve fostered collaboration in previous roles, as this is crucial for the Director of Communications position.
✨Be Data-Driven
Familiarise yourself with key performance indicators relevant to communications strategies. Be ready to discuss how you've used analytics to inform decisions and improve outcomes in your previous roles, showcasing your ability to adapt based on evidence.
